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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Breed Genet / Multi-trait animal model estimation of genetic parameters fo...
Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie2009; 126(5); 378-386; doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2008.00798.x

Multi-trait animal model estimation of genetic parameters for linear type and gait traits in the Belgian warmblood horse.

Abstract: Genetic parameters for the height at withers, 27 linear type and six linear gait traits were estimated for the Belgian warmblood horse. Observations on 987 mares, mostly 3 years old, were analysed using a multi-trait animal model. The statistical model included appraiser, age and location (date x place of appraisal) as fixed effects. Genetic parameters were estimated using a canonical transformation and an expectation-maximization restricted maximum likelihood algorithm with an additional deceleration step. Estimates of heritability for the 33 linear traits were between 0.15 and 0.55. Heritability of the height at withers was 0.34 +/- 0.06. Estimated genetic correlations ranged from -0.60 to 0.98 with an average SE of 0.10. The highest positive correlations were found among traits of walk and among traits of trot. Volume and the quality of legs were the most negatively correlated. Estimated genetic parameters indicated that the linear scoring system is a valuable tool to assess conformation. The full (co)variance matrix is now available for breeding value estimation to support selection for conformation and gaits.
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Publication Date: 2009-09-22 PubMed ID: 19765164DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0388.2008.00798.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research explores the genetic parameters associated with the height, linear type, and gait traits in Belgian Warmblood horses. The study found a range of heritability for these traits and indicates that linear scoring is a useful tool in assessing conformation.

Overview of Research

  • This research was conducted to investigate the genetic parameters related to height, 27 linear type, and six linear gait traits in Belgian Warmblood horses.
  • Observations were derived from 987 mares, mainly 3 years old, and analyzed using a multi-trait animal model.
  • Factors considered in the statistical model include appraiser, age, and location where the appraisal took place (date and place).

Methodology

  • Genetic parameters were calculated by using a canonical transformation and an expectation-maximization restriction maximum likelihood algorithm, with an additional deceleration step
  • This method was used to deliver an estimate of heritability for the linear traits, including height at withers and traits related to walk and trot.

Key Findings

  • The estimated heritability for the 33 linear traits varied between 0.15 and 0.55. Specifically, the heritability for the height at withers was found to be 0.34 +/- 0.06.
  • The estimated genetic correlations ranged from -0.60 to 0.98, with an average SE of 0.10
  • Highest positive correlations were found among traits related to the walk and trot of the horses
  • Most negative correlation was found between the volume and the quality of the legs.
  • Analysis showed the linear scoring system proved valuable for assessing conformation.

Implications

  • The research results provide valuable insights that can aid in selective breeding for conformation and gaits in Belgian Warmblood horses.
  • The full (co)variance matrix resulting from this study is now available, providing a useful tool for breeding value estimation.

Cite This Article

APA
Rustin M, Janssens S, Buys N, Gengler N. (2009). Multi-trait animal model estimation of genetic parameters for linear type and gait traits in the Belgian warmblood horse. J Anim Breed Genet, 126(5), 378-386. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0388.2008.00798.x

Publication

Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie
ISSN: 1439-0388
NlmUniqueID: 100955807
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 126
Issue: 5
Pages: 378-386

Researcher Affiliations

Rustin, M
  • Division of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg, Heverlee, Belgium. rustin.m@hotmail.com
Janssens, S
    Buys, N
      Gengler, N

        MeSH Terms

        • Analysis of Variance
        • Animals
        • Belgium
        • Female
        • Gait / genetics
        • Horses / genetics
        • Horses / physiology
        • Models, Genetic
        • Pedigree

        Citations

        This article has been cited 18 times.
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